Join an existing organization, or start your own event
Joining an organization that already runs volunteer projects is the least work, and you can do it on your own or with a group. Starting your own event gives you more control, but you handle permission, safety and disposal.
How the two options compare
Join an existing organization
Volunteer-matching sites, food bank locators and national cleanup programs. Each city guide also lists its December partners.
Idealist / VolunteerMatch
VolunteerMatch has merged into Idealist; search by ZIP code and cause to find existing local volunteer opportunities and one-off group projects across the US.
https://www.idealist.org/volunteermatch
Feeding America — Find Your Local Food Bank
Enter a ZIP code to find the Feeding America member food bank serving your area; contact them directly to volunteer or host a collection for them.
https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
Points of Light Engage
National database of volunteer opportunities and DIY project guides; nonprofits post opportunities and individuals or groups can search by location and cause.
https://engage.pointsoflight.org/
Keep America Beautiful — Great American Cleanup toolkit request
Request a free digital cleanup toolkit from Keep America Beautiful's national affiliate network to join or register a local litter cleanup.
https://kab.org/our-signature-programs/great-american-cleanup/gac-toolkit-request/
Global FoodBanking Network — Global Reach map
GFN's member map shows food-banking organisations in over 50 countries outside Europe; use it to find a national partner in markets not listed below.
https://www.foodbanking.org/global-reach/
European Food Banks Federation (FEBA) — Members
FEBA lists its one-member-per-country food-bank network across 28+ European countries; use it to find the national food bank in a European market not covered here.https://www.eurofoodbank.org/members/HOT Tasking Manager (Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team)Remote-volunteering option: sign in with an OSM account and pick an open mapping task (roads, buildings, flood/disaster response). Disaster-response mapping projects were recruiting volunteers as of Sept 2026. No mapping experience needed.https://tasks.hotosm.org/Smithsonian Digital Volunteers Transcription CenterRemote-volunteering option: transcribe or review scans of Smithsonian archival documents and biodiversity field notes, no application or assignment needed. Open to volunteers as of Sept 2026. The site may show a brief loading check first.https://transcription.si.edu/World Cleanup Day — Get InvolvedRegister a cleanup (or join one) on the global World Cleanup Day map, coordinated by Let's Do It World; works alongside the national pages listed per-country below.https://www.worldcleanupday.org/get-involved
Start your own event
You choose the cause and place, and handle permission, safety and disposal.
Steps
- 1. Pick the cause and the recipient first (a shelter, food bank, school or park), and ask what they actually need.2. Pick the place and find out who owns it: city street, city park, a separate parks agency, private land or your own office. The owner sets the rules.3. Check the small-group rule. Staying under it (no tables, tents, sound or public advertising) usually means no permit.4. If you go past it, file the official form early and ask whether you need insurance naming the city.5. Write a one-page risk assessment: hazards, first aid, weather plan, who to call.6. Collect waivers or sign-in sheets if the partner or venue asks for them.7. Arrange supplies and disposal (bag pickup, drop-off slot or delivery) before you invite people.8. Afterwards, count what you did and send the totals to the group and the recipient.
Starter kits
Ocean Conservancy — Cleanup Leader ToolkitFree toolkit (part of the International Coastal Cleanup) for planning a first-time cleanup: risk assessment, supplies, data cards, and promotion materials.https://oceanconservancy.org/work/plastics/cleanups-icc/cleanup-leader-toolkit/University of Florida IFAS Extension — A Guide for Volunteer Organizations to Assess RiskFree extension-service guide covering the '4 Ps' of volunteer risk (position, person, physical environment, performance) — useful basis for a simple risk assessment.https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/WC414/pdfUSDA FNS — Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation ActOfficial federal guidance on the law that protects good-faith food donors and nonprofits distributing donated food from liability — relevant for food/coat drives.https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/information-bill-emerson-good-samaritan-food-actFeeding America — Host a Food DriveStep-by-step guide to planning and running your own food drive from scratch, including what foods are most needed and drop-off logistics.https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/food-drivesEarth Day / EARTHDAY.ORG — Great Global Cleanup ToolkitFree, practical step-by-step guide for planning and running your own litter cleanup anywhere in the world — supplies checklist, safety tips, promotion tips.https://www.earthday.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-The-Great-GLobal-Cleanup-Toolkit-.pdfWorld Cleanup Day — 10 Steps to Organize a CleanupLet's Do It World's own step-by-step guide to starting a brand-new cleanup, usable any time of year, not just on World Cleanup Day itself.https://www.worldcleanupday.org/post/10-steps-to-organize-a-cleanup-for-world-cleanup-dayKU Community Tool Box — ToolkitsFree, university-hosted library of practical guides for planning any community event or initiative from scratch — outreach, logistics, sustaining momentum.https://ctb.ku.edu/en/toolkits
Where to submit
DSNY Volunteer Cleanup Application (PDF, email)The no-permit street/sidewalk cleanup route: fill out this PDF and email it to customerservice@dsny.nyc.gov at least two weeks before the day.https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/downloads/resources/outreach-education/volunteer-cleanup-application.pdfNYC Parks: Request a Volunteer Event (group intake form)Online intake form for a group wanting a staff-led park project; Parks staff follow up to match you to a project and site, no separate permit fee for this route.https://www.nycgovparks.org/opportunities/volunteer/group-contact-formNYC Parks Special Event Permit (E-Apply online portal)Online portal to file a Special Event Permit application for a park gathering of 20+ people or one with tables/tents/sound; $25 fee, at least 30 days' processing.https://nyceventpermits.nyc.gov/Parks/Home.aspxNYPD Sound Device Permit Application (PDF, file at precinct)Needed only if you'll use amplified sound; download, fill out and file in person at the precinct covering your event location at least 5 days ahead, $45 fee.https://www.nyc.gov/assets/nypd/downloads/pdf/form_sounddevice.pdfOCB volunteer cleanup program page (tool & supply request)No-permit route for a street/sidewalk cleanup: this page explains how to request the Office of Community Beautification's free tools and bag pickup through your Council District's OCB coordinator; no separate downloadable request-form PDF was found on the current site, so contact the office listed on this page.http://laocb.org/programs/volunteer-cleanups/LA Rec & Parks Application for Use of Facilities (fillable PDF)Fill out and submit to the regional reservations office at least 2 weeks ahead for any reserved park space, tables, canopies or larger group; this form is explicitly "not a permit" until the office signs off.https://recreation.parks.lacity.gov/sites/default/files/reservations/pdf/Fillable%20PDF%20Application%20For%20Facility%20Use%20-%20REVISED%204-27-26.pdfStreets LA Special Events Portal (apply for a street/public-way permit)Online portal (Bureau of Street Services) for a Special Event Permit needed for any activity on a public street, sidewalk or right-of-way outside a park, e.g. a street cleanup with tables or a public gathering; apply well ahead of the date.https://specialevents.lacity.gov/Home/HowToApplySF Public Works Adopt-A-Street Sign-Up Sheet (PDF)No-permit route: fill out this fillable PDF and email it to volunteer@sfdpw.org to adopt a block and get loaner tools and bag pickup.https://sfpublicworks.org/sites/default/files/Adopt%20a%20Street/2025-04-25%20Adopt-A-Street%20Sign%20Up%20Sheet%20-%20fillable%20form.pdfSF Rec & Park Group Park Volunteer Request Form (online, Salesforce)Online case-intake form for a group of 10+ wanting a staff-led park volunteer project; allow up to 3 months for 30+ people, per Rec & Park's own guidance.https://sfrpd.my.salesforce-sites.com/CaseIntakeFormSF Rec & Park Special Event Application (2026, online formsite)Online application for a special event permit in a city park (tables, sound, bigger crowd, advertised event); must be submitted 60 days to 1 year ahead, plus $85 nonrefundable fee.https://fs18.formsite.com/sfrpsurvey2/hs0fgqmeau/indexAdopt-A-Spot self-led cleanup sign-up (I Love A Clean San Diego)Create a free volunteer account, then propose your own date/location for a self-led cleanup; no city permit needed under 50 people.https://www.cleansd.org/i-am-a-resident-community-group/adopt-a-beach-adopt-a-canyon-2/Facility and Park Use Permit application (PDF)PDF form for a Ground Use Permit if the group is 50+ or wants a reserved area; submit to the Permit Center at least 10 days ahead.https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/fpup-application-2023.pdfSpecial Event Permit application (Eproval online portal)Online portal for a full Special Event Permit (street closures, city services); submit 60 days to 2 years ahead, 120 days advised for a park reservation of space.https://specialeventapplication.sandiego.gov/Chicago Park District 2026 Group One Day Service Projects Volunteer ApplicationOnline application for a district-organized group service day (the closest thing to a no-permit route); expect a reply within 7 business days and allow at least 4 weeks before the date.https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/2026-group-one-day-service-projects-applicationChicago Park District Special Event Permit Application (PDF)Downloadable PDF application for any park special event (tents, tables, sound, an advertised gathering); best practice per the district is to fill it out and email it to permitapp@chicagoparkdistrict.com, or file the same application online (see portal below).https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/media/39806/download?inline=Chicago Park District Special Events online portalThe district's online portal (linked from its Permits & Rentals 101 page) for filing and paying for the Special Event Permit application instead of the PDF/email route; 14 days review, $45 application fee plus rental.https://special-events.powerappsportals.us/Account/Login/Register?returnUrl=%2Fsearch%2F%3Fq%3DhomeKeep Austin Beautiful Community Cleanups page (email sign-up)No-permit route for a private, unadvertised cleanup: email volunteer@keepaustinbeautiful.org to request supplies and optional trash pickup; no separate downloadable request form was found, sign-up is by email/contact form on this page.https://keepaustinbeautiful.org/volunteer/community-cleanups/Application/Request — Permit for Park Use (PDF)PDF form for a public event on Austin parkland (this is what a city page calls the Special Request Form Application); needed once the group is public/advertised or needs reserved space, tables or amplified sound. Submit to Austin Parks & Recreation per the form's instructions.https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=382759Austin Center for Events (ACE) online special-event applicationOnline wizard application (Austin Center for Events) for a full special event permit covering street/right-of-way use; the city's guidance is 4–6 weeks' lead time minimum.https://cityofaustin.formstack.com/forms/special_event_application_wizardNeighborhood Clean-Up Request Form (online)Request a Civic Organizing cleanup (tools provided, trash pickup coordinated). Submit online via this Google Form linked from the city's Neighborhood Clean-Up page; no permit needed for a small group.https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJKJM1cKfIg-vrs1en4rFIUw0kLxJUw-d60BQx1xoojHcUng/closedformOutdoor Public Event Application (online permit portal)City's online portal for the Outdoor Public Event Application (Tier 1: under 150 people, stationary, one city block or less — file at least 10 business days ahead). Portal opens to a Boston.gov login/account screen before the application form.https://onlinepermitsandlicenses.boston.gov/specialevents/CPP cleanup supply request (online form)Borrow tools and bags and book a bagged-trash pickup. Submit at least a week before your pickup date.https://www.phila.gov/programs/community-partnership-program/community-partnership-program-request-form/CPP supply request form (PDF, mail or fax)Paper version of the same request; fax 215-685-9557.https://www.phila.gov/media/20251119113611/CPP-Supply-Request-Form-2025.pdfFriends and community group park event permitOnly if your park event has 50+ people, tents, sound, signs, food or city services. Call 215-683-3679 to check the date, then apply 30+ days out with insurance.https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/apply-for-a-permit/event-permits/events-in-a-city-park-field-or-rec-center/get-a-friends-and-community-group-event-permit/Adopt a Street Sign-up Form (online)Sign up to adopt a street segment for litter cleanup. Submit online via this Esri Survey123 form linked from SPU's Adopt a Street page; no permit needed for street cleanups.https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c4a5d258340f4e4789a1414029504352Adopt a Street Supply Request (online)Request free grabbers, vests, gloves and bags for your cleanup. Submit online; allow about a week's lead time for delivery.https://maps.seattle.gov/adopt-a-street-suppliesPark Use Permit Application (PDF)Needed for a park event with sound, brought-in equipment, public advertising, or 50+ people. Fill out and submit to parkusepermits@seattle.gov; apply 30+ days ahead to avoid a late fee. Seattle Parks also offers an online e-sign version of this application from the same Park Use Permits page.https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/ParksAndRecreation/Reserve/Permits/2026%20Park%20Use%20Application%20_ADA.pdfEngage Denver — One-Day Project Request (online volunteer hub)Create an account and request a one-day park volunteer project (staff lead plus tools/materials provided). Submit online; casual small-group park use with no canopies/tables/sound needs no permit at all.https://engagedenver.denvergov.org/D/Rec/GetInvolvedDenver Parks Permit Application (PDF)Needed for a permitted public event in a Denver park. Download, complete and submit per the form's instructions (email to park.permits@denvergov.org); file by the 60-day deadline and have insurance certificate ready 21 days before the event.https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/parks-and-recreation/documents/rentals-amp-permits/2026_parkpermitapplication.pdfCity of Miami Parks & Recreation Volunteer Request Form (online)Request the free volunteer permit for a park/beach cleanup or corporate service day. Submit online (Microsoft Forms) via the Parks and Recreation department page.https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=87gGOFCq7Em3LaMAeSVl-SCoqtHePftAgqYB9wv-qQFUQklPMkNLMTlVTlc3WjFMMk1JTzFMQTlJRi4u&web=1&wdLOR=cFDB8BCB4-A45A-4E7F-95E4-D157C5C689FCReserve a Park Facility (city page/portal)Use if the group needs a specific park pavilion or area reserved rather than just a volunteer cleanup permit.https://www.miami.gov/Parks-Public-Places/Reserve-a-Park-FacilitySpecial Event Permit Application (online)'Complete Application' link from the city's Get a Special Event Permit page. Needed once a park gathering exceeds 10 people doing an organized activity or otherwise counts as a special event. Submit online (OpenForms portal).https://us.openforms.com/Form/f1ee82b6-1909-4d43-b783-b15ee05a683dCity of Miami Parks Permit Handbook 2025/2026 (PDF)Reference document with permit rules, fees and required insurance for park and special-event permits.https://www.miami.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/parks/2025-2026-city-of-miami-parks-permit-handbook.pdfKABC / Adopt-a-Spot supply request (online hub)Request loaner gloves, bags, grabbers and vests for a community cleanup, and sign up to adopt a spot. Submit online (Esri ArcGIS Hub); no permit needed under the 75-person threshold.https://adopt-a-road-atlhubgis.hub.arcgis.com/Large Gathering Permit ApplicationRequired once a gathering is 75+ people for an hour or more. $50 application fee; apply by email to specialevents@atlantaga.gov or in person at the Office of Special Events at least 30 days before the event.https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/executive-offices/office-of-special-events/outdoor-event-applications/large-gathering-permit-application